Improving Performance in the Coaching Process - Term Paper Example

Analysing and Improving Performance Customer Inserts His/Her Name Customer Inserts Grade Course Customer Inserts Tutor’s Name 09th November 2012 Introduction Performance analysis refers to creation of an effective and consistent performance record. This is done by way of logical opinions that can be examined in order to enable change. The process of coaching is not completely flawed. However, there have been various limitations to observation and analysis of phases of coaching. For instance, there are many great coaches who can anticipate events and make the necessary changes towards performance. However, these coaches are prone to human error which leads to wrong decision making. This gives the need for an efficient performance analysis methodology within the coaching practice. The lack of such an approach can make coaches to have subjective opinions of the performance of the athletes or players. Consequently this can make coaches to make wrong substitution decisions. The aim of this paper is to analyse and report on the efficacy of performance analysis. So as to determine this consideration has been given to rationale, validity, reliability and use of ICT in performance analysis in the coaching process and in various gaming analysis. The paper also uses examples from a range of sporting contexts to provide reference to both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Rationale for performance analysis and methods/equipment used (refers to match analysis, notional analysis, time motion analysis and technique analysis) Notional/ match analysis uses means to keep track of team performance features. It also refers to a measure of the number of shots in a given game. This method uses IT for data analysis. It also relies on measured observation during the event or after the event in order to quantity performance in an actual, reliable and precise way. Sporting observations can be coded using two methods. These are ‘live’ in addition to ‘post-play’ coding. One needs to be competent enough to undertake live coding of a sporting event. This would involve use of video footage that is linked into a laptop and coded through the keyboard as training and games take place. Post-play coding entails feeding the video footage into a laptop and again coding the information through the keyboard. The advantage of this is that the footage can be reviewed many times in order to enable accurate observations (Bishop 2003). Notional analysis can be positional territorial and behavioural in nature. Alternatively, motion analysis can be in form of temporal phase analysis or it can be based on key moments. Notional analysis can be done using computerized notation systems. The information from computerized notational analysis can be used to offer immediate feedback, creation of a database, to point out areas that need improvement and to conduct sport evaluation. The main roles of notational analysis are movement analysis, evaluation of tactics, evaluation of techniques and compilation of statistics (Franks & Miller 1986). Technical indicators of performance analysis help in understanding the physical, physiological and tactical needs of various sports. For example, in basketball a feature of a team’s performance may be evaluated by the proportion of the number of shots taken to scored baskets. On the other hand, in golfing, performance can be evaluated by the quantity of greens that are hit under coach’s instruction. These indicators are simple descriptions and definitions of performance. However, wrong data presentation can lead to wrong impression of performance. For example, if dual football strikers acquire two goal scores over two games, it can be assumed that they are both performing well. On the contrary, if striker A has 16 goal shots and striker B has 8 goal shots then striker A has a success ratio of 4:1 while striker B has a success ratio 2:1 (more impressive) (Bishop 2003). Therefore, technical analysis helps coaches to observe and hands on approaches of the players. Diagram 1 in the appendices page is an example of motion analysis. Under motion analysis left or right footed motion is applicable in ice skating. The side movement is applicable in football while the above and below movement is applicable in volley ball. The most optimum point should be perpendicular to the level of motion that is being observed. Observation of a fast movement needs to be done using shuttered video (Land & McLeod 2000). When videotaped, such a motion in tennis can be repeated and slowed done to allow faster strokes. A standard shutter venue of 1/1000 seconds used in order to reduce blurring. In order for an analyst to obtain detailed movement he or she can use slow motion and stop-action feature of videotape replay Coaches can help players to make the correct movement (Duthie & Hooper 2003) Validity of performance analysis Validity aims at ensuring that performance analysis on a given sport event measures what it claims to measure. Construct validity is how well a given piece of data relates with other measures such as previous research findings. The various forms of validity that fall under construct validity are face, concurrent, predictive and content validity. Triangulation (use of multiple methods of data collection to solve a single problem) facilitates the confidence of conclusions made. Additionally, it improves the subsequent validity of the tests (Kormelink & Seeverens 1999, p. 57). Validity of performance analysis enables coaches to make effective decisions about a given player’s performance. This is made possible by use of social science skills and experience obtained during various sporting activities. Performance analysis is valid if it fairly represents the interests of the players. Through IT, all records of sporting activities are kept making it likely to maintain the legitimacy of a given sport event after many years (Vickers 1996). Reliability of performance analysis Performance analysis provides reliability in the sporting world by addressing the limitations that the entire coaching process experiences, recognizing the abilities and inabilities of the specific players or teams. Reliability is also achieved through provision of a monitoring tool throughout the entire sporting period. Additionally, in order to attain reliability it is important to ensure that the performance analysis is repeatable for results to be consistent (Hughes & Bartlett 2002). The use of ICT in performance analysis Coaches are given laptop computers, analysis software and digital cameras. This makes the procedure of performance analysis easier and less demanding. This enables them to identify and measure various performance indicators that have an impact on sports outcomes. Therefore, coaches are in a better position to understand how success is attained at all performance levels. The indicators are tactical, technical, physiological and physical in form (Bishop 2003). Coaches use videotaped replays to provide visual feedback. Video technology is attractive for use in training because it is cheap, accessible and portable. Therefore, many field workers can afford it. However, performers need to have a passive attitude in order to be able to use this technology. When video is combined with TV technology it enhances feedback. This is due to replays, simulations and use of vectors. Video technology is used in motion analysis in order to enhance feedback relating to performance kinematics. This form of technology can be used in notional analysis and gaming statistics. Therefore, through playback, it is possible to compare performance among several athletes. The technology can be used when the footage of an expert and of a less-experienced person is super-positioned. This enables the observer to identify the differences between the two performances (Liebermann 2002) Qualitative analysis It refers to the systematic observation and judgment of the human movement necessary in providing improved performance. Qualitative analysis in the twenty-first Century is applicable in tennis games when tennis coaches try to assist tennis players to improve performance. The coach is required to qualitatively analyse the player’s movement. The coach is expected to continuously study the game, coach and practice sport science throughout his or her career. The process of qualitative analysis involves a four task model. First, the coach gathers information about the gaming activity and the player and he also prepares an observational strategy. He collects plenty of information to equip himself for this kind of analysis. In so doing the coach is required to integrate and judge the quality of all information sources (Hughes n.d., p. 32). The major sources of information are experience and scientific literature. In order to maximize experience, coaches can attend coach conferences as well as network with their peers. Through experience, coaches can be able to tell the most critical features of a movement. These essential features are necessary for safe, competent and actual performance. Therefore, tennis professionals should aim at summarising many sport details into a few critical features. Control of the anxiety of being knocked out by the ball is an essential element of volley ball players. Some of the recommended critical features are readiness and un-weighting of the player’s body, early and simple preparation of the racket, correct rotation of the body, and high and moderate completion. Scientific research and literature enables coaches to control variables and statistical data when faced with various observations (Sanderson 1983). The conclusions obtained from scientific research enable better analysis and intervention. However, this kind of research can limit the generalization of results towards various situations or players. Scientific research in tennis has been observed in countries such as Canada, USA and Australia. This has resulted to publication of various sport science documents. For example, the United States Tennis Association issues the circular named ‘Sport Science News’. Some of the places that coaches can get current sport science information are ACSM Health & Fitness Journal among others (Knudson n.d.). The second step in qualitative analysis takes place when the analyst uses the necessary senses to gather information about the player’s performance. Coaches can execute an observational strategy by organizing observation on various movement stages. Sound and vision are some of the elements that an analyst uses to observe preparatory movement, forward stroke and subsequent/ completion strokes. Other analysts use an approach of general to specific observations. Some of the main elements of good observational strategy are attentiveness, vantage points and use of extensive observation. Professional coaches should observe various trials based on a player’s skill. This means that novice players can be very unpredictable in stroke performance and the mistakes they make. Such players also perform more inconsistently. The vantage points should be well established in order to make them identifiable. Majority of the movements are three dimensional; with the most suitable vantage point being perpendicular to the motion plane (Knudson n.d.). Thirdly, the strengths and weaknesses of the performance are evaluated and the movement diagnosis is observed. In this stage, the analyst evaluates performance followed by identifying the strengths and weaknesses and finally diagnosis. Diagnosis involves identifying the causes of poor performance that is observed from strengths and weaknesses. Table 1 in the appendices page summarizes the steps used in diagnosis of a tennis game (Knudson n.d.). Fourth, the coach intervenes by making more performance/ practice observations. A coach can use a visual model in order to determine correct performance. For example, he can draw a visual of a racket path for a given stroke. He can also modify the stroking practice or develop a manual guidance. This can be done by formulating and applying various generalizations (Knudson n.d.). The perfect model is attained when the performance is at its optimum. In order to understand a perfect model a coach needs to have playing experience, experience from watching others and reading sport in detail, and also experience from listening to and watching top performers. Diagram 2 on the appendices page shows the process of qualitative analysis How analysis will help in observing, analysing and giving objective feedback Observation is a major element used in performance analysis. The coach relies on what he has observed in order to analysis about a player’s performance. By observing, he collects and categorises performance information. After observing the coach analysis (examines the player’s position). This enables the coach studies and examines the similarities and differences in the performance of different game categories. The coach then determines whether a player is a strong or a weak performer. After analysis the coach is able to give objective feedback. This is because from analysis, the coach determines whether a player is good or bad. To analyse, he relies on his observation, experience and scientific research. This feedback (whether a player is good or bad performer) should be fair and free from bias. Conclusion Performance analysis is the creation of an effective and reliable performance record by way of logical observations that can be analysed in order to enable change. It is used in the sporting world in order to create reliability and value among players. The paper has also analysed motional and notional movements as well as the role of IT in performance analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis have been applied in the paper in order to shown the measures that coaches undertake to determine a player’s performance. Notional/ match analysis uses means to keep track of team performance features. It also refers to a measure of the number of shots in a given game. Technical indicators of performance analysis help in understanding the physical, physiological and tactical needs of various sports. In order to achieve effective qualitative analysis in motion examination it is important to combine tactics starting from the sport sciences to the professional experience gathered during various field works. A comprehensive quality study entails assets and flaws of a given performance and defining the reason for reduced performance. The paper also goes ahead to summarise validity and reliability of performance analysis. The use of ICT is also covered. It mainly relies on video recordings and indicators. Replays from videotapes provide visual feedback. Qualitative analysis is the last part of the paper. It involves information gathering about the sport and the player and evaluation of the player’s strengths and weaknesses in performance. The coach’s intervention is finally sought by making more performance/ practice observations. Therefore, a coach can use a visual model in order to determine correct performance. For example, he can draw a visual of a racket path for a given stroke. References Bishop, D 2003, ‘What is performance analysis and how can it be integrated within the coaching process to benefit performance’, Peak Performance, pp. 4-7. Duthie, G. P. D & Hooper, S 2003, ‘The reliability of video based time motion analysis’, Journal of Human Movement Studies, vol. 44, pp. 259-272 Franks, I.M & Miller, G 1986, ‘Eyewitness testimony in sport’, Journal of Sport Behavior, vol. 9, pp. 39-45. Hughes, M & Bartlett, R 2002, ‘The use of performance indicators in performance analysis’, Journal of Sports Science, vol. 20, pp. 739-754. Hughes, M n.d. The Need for Objective Feedback. Centre for Performance Analysis, UWIC, Wales, UK: From Analysis to Coaching. Knudson, D n.d., Using Sport Science to Observe & Correct Tennis Strokes, viewed 09 November 2012, < http://coachesinfo.com/article/index.php?id=200&style=printable>. Kormelink, H & Seeverens, T 1999. Match Analysis and Game Preparation. Reedswanin INC, Pennsylvania. Land, M.F and McLeod, P 2000, ‘From eye movements to actions: how batsmen hit the ball’, Neuroscience, vol. 3, pp. 1340-1345. Liebermann, D et al. 2002, ‘Advances in the application of information technology to sports performance’, Journal of Sports Science, vol. 20, pp. 755-769. Sanderson, F.H 1983, ‘A notation system for analyzing Squash’, Physical Education Review, vol. 6, pp. 19-23. Vickers, J.N 1996, ‘Visual control when aiming at a far Target’, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, vol. 2, pp. 342- 354. Appendices Diagram 1: Motion analysis Table 1: summary of the steps used in diagnosis of a tennis game Table 2: The process of qualitative analysis Read More